Anxiety Treatment NYC: Ward Off Worry with Do’s & Don’ts for Keeping Calm in the New Year 

Here it comes. Every year we get the message: “new year, new you.” No pressure.

Of course, as the old year winds down and the new one emerges most of us hope good things, even great things, lie ahead. Yet, no sooner than you find ways to recover from months of work stress and the concerns associated with holiday gathering, you feel pressured to design a plan for a “brand new you”. 

It’s a lot. For a lot of people, it’s too much. 

You aren’t alone if your holiday vacation or time off doesn’t feel like a break at all. In fact, all the usual talk about fresh starts, blank slates, resolutions, and breaking bad habits may leave you feeling drained and discouraged as the New year begins. Very real thoughts of uncertainty, self-doubt, and apprehension can take hold without an intentional plan for warding off worry.

Consider these tips for keeping calm and making the changes that actually matter to you.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: Don’t Let Guilt or Comparison Hijack Your Goals

Often, the goals we set aren’t our own. We can be unduly influenced by social media competition, relationship guilt, and lifestyle posturing instead of our actual needs and wants. It may be best to slow down and resist the tide of social platform posts and selfies that include a wave of empty promises about weight loss, career changes, and distant travels. Let the ball drop without feeling pushed to respond without any declaration or justification at all. 

Face your anxiety. Try meditating, journaling, and being still. Accept where you are. Be grateful for your intentional choice to notice the pressure to make resolutions. Then, let that pressure pass. Set goals when you’re ready. Not a moment before.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: Do Accept that Awareness and Boundaries Are Crucial

First, it is vital that you make space for your own development, intentionally and sustainably. You needn’t do anything drastic, start slow and accept yourself as you are. Begin with self-awareness. Do you place very high expectations on yourself? Ask yourself which key life changes mean the most to you? Is there something that would make a positive change in just a few months and keep you motivated? 

Next, consider your boundaries. Do you put too much pressure on yourself to be everything and do everything? If so, a full 365 of that pressure can make personal goals for growth and change feel overwhelming.  Setting healthy limits prevents you from taking on too much and supports focus on your own needs. It also does the following: 

• Boundaries define personal space. You need safe, nurturing time to develop the clarity that can inspire and energize you.
• Boundaries help shape your relationships honestly and respectfully. With limits and responsibilities worked out, you can set goals that are more specific and meaningful to you.

Knowing yourself and committing to your boundaries effectively prepares you for the risks that come with the mental and emotional reset you want to make.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: Don’t Dismiss the Mental Boost of Milestones

Ward off persistent worry by deciding on realistic and manageable objectives. Deadlines are often helpful. Achievable milestones often lead to grander accomplishments. Just remember that you are in charge. You have the power to set your pace, remain flexible, and treat the journey as a lesson in growth.

In other words, treat yourself to meaningful, concrete steps toward change. Celebrate them as they are accomplished. Share the process with a nonjudgemental, encouraging loved one. Enjoy the fact that wherever you land, you are on your way. Just keep going. Begin again when you get distracted. That’s enough.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: Do Embrace The Difference Therapy Makes

Finally, please know that you are not alone if anxiety seems to get the best of you before you really even dive into your new year or any new beginning. Why not start fresh with the best support possible? Professional support is a valuable way to overcome anxiety and head off anxiety attacks. Allow yourself a safe space and an understanding therapist to help you set goals and keep calm throughout the year.

Please learn more about our Anxiety Treatment counseling services for help.

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